Washing machines are among the most frequently used appliances in any home—and also one of the most prone to technical or operational issues. When they break down, repairs typically range from $125 to $400 per incident. Over time, just a few breakdowns could cost nearly as much as replacing the machine altogether.
Fortunately, washers are often included in standard home warranty plans. This article covers what washer-related components are typically included, how to file a claim, what to look for in a warranty provider, and how ARW Home helps protect one of your most essential appliances.
According to a Whirlpool survey, American households with children aged 3–18 do seven loads of laundry or more a week. If you live alone or with a partner, that number might be lower—but the washer is still one of the most frequently used appliances in any home.
To understand how much stress washers undergo with regular use, it helps to know what happens behind the scenes. After you load the clothes and add detergent, the washer senses the size of the load and determines the optimal water level and detergent amount needed for cleaning.
Each cycle begins with the water inlet valve filling the drum. Then, the motor powers the agitator or impeller to move clothes and loosen dirt. After the wash, the machine drains the dirty water, refills to rinse the clothes, drains again, and then spins at high speed to remove excess moisture. All of this is managed by internal components like the control board, belts, pulleys, hoses, and suspension system working in sync.
A well-maintained washer should last between 7-15 years. But with so many moving parts under constant pressure, they are highly prone to wear and tear—sometimes just a few years after purchase.
Worn belts, failed motors, leaking pumps, or control board issues are among the most common (and expensive) problems that can bring your machine to a halt.
Repairs can set you back several hundred dollars per incident, not including service call fees. And if a replacement is needed, you could be looking at $1,000 or more. A couple of unexpected breakdowns can quickly chip away at your household budget.
This is where a home warranty proves its value. For a small monthly fee, you can get coverage for multiple appliances—including your washer, dryer, and refrigerator. If your washer breaks down due to a covered issue, you can file a claim with your provider, who will cover the repair or replacement costs. You’ll only be responsible for a low service call fee.
For one of the most frequently used appliances in your home, warranty coverage provides both convenience and peace of mind. See which major appliances are typically covered.
Most home warranty plans pay for repair and replacement costs for washer breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear.
For example, if your washer’s pump wears out after years of regular use, your warranty may cover the repair or replacement cost.
Washers are made up of multiple mechanical and electrical components. The exact items covered by a warranty will vary slightly depending on your provider, but generally include critical mechanical and electrical components responsible for filling, draining, washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles—such as motors, pumps, belts, control boards, and related parts.
However, home warranties don’t cover everything. Common exclusions are cosmetic damage, failures caused by improper installation or maintenance, pre-existing conditions, and certain removable accessories like soap dispensers or filter screens.
ARW Home offers two comprehensive home warranty plans in which washing machines are included for coverage: Platinum and Platinum Premier. Once your plan is active, your policy safeguards critical washer components that commonly experience wear and tear from regular use.
Washer-related Covered Items under ARW Home’s Plans are:
The umbrella of covered parts is wide enough to protect most of the mechanical and electrical systems inside your washer. So in the event of a malfunction, you won’t have to worry about how you’ll cover the repair bill.
All you have to do is file a claim and pay a flat service call fee. There’s no need to research contractors or stress over unexpected labor charges—we handle all that for you.
If your washer suddenly stops working, ARW Home makes it simple to get help fast. Here’s how the claims process works—step by step:
Not all home warranty plans are created equal. When evaluating plans, consider the following key factors to ensure you select the best home warranty for your needs:
Every plan has limits on how much it will pay per year, per appliance, and per system. The industry standard for total annual coverage is around $5,000, which is also what ARW Home offers.
Be sure to also check the service contract terms for per-appliance limits, especially if your washer is older. In many cases, replacement is more practical than repair—especially if the manufacturer no longer makes compatible parts. Some home warranty providers offer cash replacement allowances for aging appliances, which can be a valuable benefit when repairs are no longer feasible.
Our support and claims team is available 24/7, 365 days a year, but not all home warranty providers operate that way. Emergencies don’t wait for business hours—so it’s important to choose a provider that’s reachable on evenings, weekends, and holidays when you need them most.
Every home warranty company charges a service request fee each time you file a claim. Be sure to verify that the fee is flat (not variable) and falls within your budget. Also, ask how long it typically takes to send a technician. A faster response time can make all the difference when your washer is down and laundry is piling up.
Your clothes washer and dryer aren’t the only appliances at risk of failure. Look for a plan that offers bundle protection—covering multiple major appliances and home systems (like your refrigerator, built-in microwave, cooktop, water heater, and HVAC systems) under one monthly fee.
Washing machines are essential to daily life, and when they break down, the repair costs can quickly add up. A home warranty offers a smart, cost-effective solution to protect one of your most frequently used appliances. By covering the repair or replacement of key components, a home warranty plan like ARW Home’s gives you peace of mind knowing that you're not facing hefty repair bills out of pocket.
From covering critical washer components to offering fast service, ARW Home ensures you're never left in the lurch when your washer breaks down. With flexible plans that cover both washers and dryers, and a straightforward claims process, ARW Home offers comprehensive protection for your laundry appliances.
Investing in a home warranty plan is a proactive way to safeguard your home appliances and budget from unexpected expenses. Don’t let a washer breakdown disrupt your daily routine—explore the benefits of washer coverage today and keep your home running smoothly, without the stress of costly repairs. Shop Warranty Plans
Certain cleaning tasks should be done after every load: clean the lint filter, wipe down the drums and door seals, and leave the washer door and detergent drawer slightly open to let moisture escape.
Run a cleaning cycle through your washer about once a month to remove detergent residue and mildew buildup. Finally, clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct at least twice a year to remove hidden lint and maintain strong airflow.
The best way to clean your washer drum is to run an empty cycle on the hottest setting using either a commercial washer cleaner or a natural solution like white vinegar and baking soda.
For a DIY washer cleaning method, pour two cups of vinegar into your detergent tray and run a hot wash cycle, then sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the washer drum and run a second hot cycle. This two-step process removes buildup, kills bacteria, and eliminates odors.
For light buildup, you can use a vacuum hose attachment or a dryer vent brush to clean inside the duct. Hose extensions can help you reach deeper, and there are cleaning kits with flexible brushes for longer vents.
However, if you’re dealing with major buildup or a full clog, it’s best to call a professional.
ARW Home Warranty plan typically covers the repair or replacement costs of most major washer and dryer components that break down due to normal wear and tear.
This includes motors, belts, pulleys, heating elements, timers, switches, control boards, sensors, pumps, valves, and other internal mechanical and electrical parts.
Repair or replace—that’s the question on every homeowner’s mind when a major appliance breaks down. In most cases, the answer comes down to the age of the appliance, the cost of the repair, and the severity of the issue.
If your machine is close to 10 years old and repairs would cost more than half the price of a comparable new model, replacement is usually the smarter choice. However, if the appliance is relatively new and the repair is minor, fixing it is typically the better option.